Ultimate UHD Drives Flashing Guide Updated 2026

[MartyMcNuts]

Hi there,

i am new to the forum, just starting in the hobby.

I purchased a used drive, it was supposed to be a WP50NB40, but i received a 2017 BP50NB40
I thought the WP model was supposed to be easier to flash but not sure if that really matters.
Since its already on a 1.01 firmware, do i still need to flash "BP50NB40-NB50-1.03MK" or should i go straight to " BP60NB10 1.02MK or 1.00MK" ?

im struggling with the instructions a bit. am i supposed to "Write" first the same firmware then "recovery" the same firmware?

Drive Information
OS device name: D:
Manufacturer: HL-DT-ST
Product: BD-RE BP50NB40
Revision: 1.01
Serial number:
Firmware date: 2117-11-23 16:15
Bus encryption flags: 17

LibreDrive Information
Status: Possible (with patched firmware)
Drive platform: MT1959
Harware support: Yes
Firmware support: No
Firmware type: Original (patched version available)
Firmware version: 1.01
DVD all regions: Possible (with patched firmware)
BD raw data read: Possible (with patched firmware)
BD raw metadata read: Possible (with patched firmware)
Unrestricted read speed: Possible (with patched firmware)

Use SDFTool flasher.

viewtopic.php?f=16&t=22896&hilit=SDFTool

First flash the MK firmware to the drive.

Then look at the GIF. In the upper box during RECOVERY put the just flashed firmware again and in the lower box BU40N or BP60NB10.

Thank you for clarifying that part! i was successful with flashing it!

are there any advantages to one firmware or the other for the cross flash?

If you choose BU40N 1.00 firmware, you can also then use other ripping software for UHD discs if you want to.

[pyrochance]

Use SDFTool flasher.

viewtopic.php?f=16&t=22896&hilit=SDFTool

First flash the MK firmware to the drive.

Then look at the GIF. In the upper box during RECOVERY put the just flashed firmware again and in the lower box BU40N or BP60NB10.

Thank you for clarifying that part! i was successful with flashing it!

are there any advantages to one firmware or the other for the cross flash?

If you choose BU40N 1.00 firmware, you can also then use other ripping software for UHD discs if you want to.

Oh thats definitely is a good option for compatibility! thank you both for your assistance!

This drive being used is a bit finicky since its been heavily used (didn't realize it wasn't new when purchased)
So I also just picked up a new BW-16D1X-U with LG drive that i successfully flashed to the Asus BW-16D1HT 3.10MK firmware.
im assuming this one will only work with MakeMKV then?

[notthatjoe]

I'm in the same boat as everyone else in this thread.

Drive Information
Manufacturer: HL-DT-ST
Product: BD-RE BP50NB40
Revision: 1.03
Serial number:
Firmware date: 2120-05-07 09:17
Bus encryption flags: 17
Highest AACS version: 82

LibreDrive Information
Status: Enabled
Drive platform: MT1959
Firmware type: Patched (microcode access re-enabled)
Firmware version: 1.03
DVD all regions: Yes
BD raw data read: Yes
BD raw metadata read: Yes
Unrestricted read speed: Yes

Despite: macmini@Joes-Mac-mini MacOS % ./makemkvcon f -d '/IOBDServices/C9AD9D07' -f /tmp/sdf.bin rawflash enc -i /tmp/DE_LG_BP60NB10_1.00_MK_HBD.bin

Reading input file /tmp/DE_LG_BP60NB10_1.00_MK_HBD.bin
Flashing flags = 0x0 : 0 0 0 0 : ---- ---- ---- ----
Sending image in encrypted format
Current Drive ID: HL-DT-ST_BD-RE_BP50NB40_1.03_212005070917_SIM21LCF82740
Using USB chipset workaround for Desktop drive handshake
Ready to write drive flash memory.
Type "yes" to continue, "no" to abort
yes
Operation started: Sending flash image to drive
100% Operation finished
Operation started: Programming flash
100% Operation finished
Done successfully

Any help is appreciated guys.

[MartyMcNuts]

Thank you for clarifying that part! i was successful with flashing it!

are there any advantages to one firmware or the other for the cross flash?

If you choose BU40N 1.00 firmware, you can also then use other ripping software for UHD discs if you want to.

Oh thats definitely is a good option for compatibility! thank you both for your assistance!

This drive being used is a bit finicky since its been heavily used (didn't realize it wasn't new when purchased)
So I also just picked up a new BW-16D1X-U with LG drive that i successfully flashed to the Asus BW-16D1HT 3.10MK firmware.
im assuming this one will only work with MakeMKV then?

For UHD discs, yeah, MakeMKV and Xreveal.

[Coopervid]

I'm in the same boat as everyone else in this thread.

Drive Information
Manufacturer: HL-DT-ST
Product: BD-RE BP50NB40
Revision: 1.03
Serial number:
Firmware date: 2120-05-07 09:17
Bus encryption flags: 17
Highest AACS version: 82

LibreDrive Information
Status: Enabled
Drive platform: MT1959
Firmware type: Patched (microcode access re-enabled)
Firmware version: 1.03
DVD all regions: Yes
BD raw data read: Yes
BD raw metadata read: Yes
Unrestricted read speed: Yes

Despite: macmini@Joes-Mac-mini MacOS % ./makemkvcon f -d '/IOBDServices/C9AD9D07' -f /tmp/sdf.bin rawflash enc -i /tmp/DE_LG_BP60NB10_1.00_MK_HBD.bin

Reading input file /tmp/DE_LG_BP60NB10_1.00_MK_HBD.bin
Flashing flags = 0x0 : 0 0 0 0 : ---- ---- ---- ----
Sending image in encrypted format
Current Drive ID: HL-DT-ST_BD-RE_BP50NB40_1.03_212005070917_SIM21LCF82740
Using USB chipset workaround for Desktop drive handshake
Ready to write drive flash memory.
Type "yes" to continue, "no" to abort
yes
Operation started: Sending flash image to drive
100% Operation finished
Operation started: Programming flash
100% Operation finished
Done successfully

Any help is appreciated guys.

You need to flash with the RECOVERY option and SDFTool as shown in the GIF using a Windows VM.

viewtopic.php?f=16&t=22896&hilit=sdftool

[OfficerTux]

Hi guys,

I have a very old drive here and I was wondering if you could make it read UHD discs with the right firmware:

Drive Information
OS device name: G:
Manufacturer: HL-DT-ST
Product: BD-RE BE12LU30
Revision: 1.01
Serial number: K97AA490213
Firmware date: 2011-07-07 12:34:56

LibreDrive Information
Status: Possible, might be supported in future, but not likely soon
Drive platform: RS1013
Firmware version: 1.01-C0

Since I assume this will not work, I had a look at the supported drives with USB (I would like to have an external drive, all my SATA ports are used). Unfortunately they are all impossible to get or very expensive in my country (Germany). One I can get for a reasonable price is the BP55EB40 (https://www.mindfactory.de/product_info ... 14949.html). I did find it in the "encrypted firmware" list:

Code: Select all

HL-DT-ST-BD-RE_BP55EB40-NB50-1.03-N000800-212005070924.bin

but it is not listed as a supported device. Can I use the BP55EB40? If so, which firmware do I have to flash?

Thanks a lot in advance!
Jannik

[Coopervid]

Hi guys,

I have a very old drive here and I was wondering if you could make it read UHD discs with the right firmware:

Drive Information
OS device name: G:
Manufacturer: HL-DT-ST
Product: BD-RE BE12LU30
Revision: 1.01
Serial number: K97AA490213
Firmware date: 2011-07-07 12:34:56

LibreDrive Information
Status: Possible, might be supported in future, but not likely soon
Drive platform: RS1013
Firmware version: 1.01-C0

Since I assume this will not work, I had a look at the supported drives with USB (I would like to have an external drive, all my SATA ports are used). Unfortunately they are all impossible to get or very expensive in my country (Germany). One I can get for a reasonable price is the BP55EB40 (https://www.mindfactory.de/product_info ... 14949.html). I did find it in the "encrypted firmware" list:

Code: Select all

HL-DT-ST-BD-RE_BP55EB40-NB50-1.03-N000800-212005070924.bin

but it is not listed as a supported device. Can I use the BP55EB40? If so, which firmware do I have to flash?

Thanks a lot in advance!
Jannik

Better get this Verbatim. It contains a BU40N.

https://www.amazon.de/Verbatim-Blu-ray- ... 0cfb8&th=1

[tomatodory]

drive quality rank here you go best to worst

Pioneer BDR S13UX
Pioneer BDR S13UBK
Pioneer BDR 213 212/S12
Pioneer BDR XS07, XD07, XD08
Pioneer BDR UD04, UD03, XD05

LG BU40N BP50NB40 BP60NB10 ect..
LG/ASUS WH14xx-WH16xx Asus BW16D1HT BH14xx-BH16xx ect... all the same junk if your getting one of these they are all the same get the cheapest available and hope you get a good one.

All pioneers need old FW or to be professionally flashed
for most i recommend the UBK as the UX is way over priced in the USA. the UX has a fw cents worth of better caps black paint job and slightly more sound deadening on the disc tray not worth it.
i myself have a UBK.

If there are any discs that cannot be read by your Pioneer UBK, do you have a backup Pioneer drive you try to read them from or do you have a backup drive from a different manuafacturer?

[notthatjoe]

I'm in the same boat as everyone else in this thread.

Drive Information
Manufacturer: HL-DT-ST
Product: BD-RE BP50NB40
Revision: 1.03
Serial number:
Firmware date: 2120-05-07 09:17
Bus encryption flags: 17
Highest AACS version: 82

LibreDrive Information
Status: Enabled
Drive platform: MT1959
Firmware type: Patched (microcode access re-enabled)
Firmware version: 1.03
DVD all regions: Yes
BD raw data read: Yes
BD raw metadata read: Yes
Unrestricted read speed: Yes

Despite: macmini@Joes-Mac-mini MacOS % ./makemkvcon f -d '/IOBDServices/C9AD9D07' -f /tmp/sdf.bin rawflash enc -i /tmp/DE_LG_BP60NB10_1.00_MK_HBD.bin

Reading input file /tmp/DE_LG_BP60NB10_1.00_MK_HBD.bin
Flashing flags = 0x0 : 0 0 0 0 : ---- ---- ---- ----
Sending image in encrypted format
Current Drive ID: HL-DT-ST_BD-RE_BP50NB40_1.03_212005070917_SIM21LCF82740
Using USB chipset workaround for Desktop drive handshake
Ready to write drive flash memory.
Type "yes" to continue, "no" to abort
yes
Operation started: Sending flash image to drive
100% Operation finished
Operation started: Programming flash
100% Operation finished
Done successfully

Any help is appreciated guys.

You need to flash with the RECOVERY option and SDFTool as shown in the GIF using a Windows VM.

viewtopic.php?f=16&t=22896&hilit=sdftool

Thank you so much! I did it. If there is a way I can thank you, let me know and I happily will.

This community is awesome.

[Billycar11]

drive quality rank here you go best to worst

Pioneer BDR S13UX
Pioneer BDR S13UBK
Pioneer BDR 213 212/S12
Pioneer BDR XS07, XD07, XD08
Pioneer BDR UD04, UD03, XD05

LG BU40N BP50NB40 BP60NB10 ect..
LG/ASUS WH14xx-WH16xx Asus BW16D1HT BH14xx-BH16xx ect... all the same junk if your getting one of these they are all the same get the cheapest available and hope you get a good one.

All pioneers need old FW or to be professionally flashed
for most i recommend the UBK as the UX is way over priced in the USA. the UX has a fw cents worth of better caps black paint job and slightly more sound deadening on the disc tray not worth it.
i myself have a UBK.

If there are any discs that cannot be read by your Pioneer UBK, do you have a backup Pioneer drive you try to read them from or do you have a backup drive from a different manuafacturer?

i have moved to exclusively to pioneer xd08
as the other drives are now gone

[censez41]

Thanks

[tomatodory]

drive quality rank here you go best to worst

Pioneer BDR S13UX
Pioneer BDR S13UBK
Pioneer BDR 213 212/S12
Pioneer BDR XS07, XD07, XD08
Pioneer BDR UD04, UD03, XD05

LG BU40N BP50NB40 BP60NB10 ect..
LG/ASUS WH14xx-WH16xx Asus BW16D1HT BH14xx-BH16xx ect... all the same junk if your getting one of these they are all the same get the cheapest available and hope you get a good one.

All pioneers need old FW or to be professionally flashed
for most i recommend the UBK as the UX is way over priced in the USA. the UX has a fw cents worth of better caps black paint job and slightly more sound deadening on the disc tray not worth it.
i myself have a UBK.

If there are any discs that cannot be read by your Pioneer UBK, do you have a backup Pioneer drive you try to read them from or do you have a backup drive from a different manuafacturer?

i have moved to exclusively to pioneer xd08
as the other drives are now gone

I know that the S12 and S13 series, along with some of the 212 and 213 models, used glass lenses, but I'm unable to find any definite info as to whether the XD08 uses a glass lens or a plastic lens. Do you know?

If it does use a glass lens as the others, that's great, but if it uses a plastic lens I was wondering if you notice anything different from how the UBK you used to have read discs to how the XD08 you have now reads discs?

[asmcom]

If there are any discs that cannot be read by your Pioneer UBK, do you have a backup Pioneer drive you try to read them from or do you have a backup drive from a different manuafacturer?

i have moved to exclusively to pioneer xd08
as the other drives are now gone

I know that the S12 and S13 series, along with some of the 212 and 213 models, used glass lenses, but I'm unable to find any definite info as to whether the XD08 uses a glass lens or a plastic lens. Do you know?

If it does use a glass lens as the others, that's great, but if it uses a plastic lens I was wondering if you notice anything different from how the UBK you used to have read discs to how the XD08 you have now reads discs?

Yes the Xd08 has a Glass Lens & the XD08EMB-S, XD08UMB-S

Asmcom

[tomatodory]

i have moved to exclusively to pioneer xd08
as the other drives are now gone

I know that the S12 and S13 series, along with some of the 212 and 213 models, used glass lenses, but I'm unable to find any definite info as to whether the XD08 uses a glass lens or a plastic lens. Do you know?

If it does use a glass lens as the others, that's great, but if it uses a plastic lens I was wondering if you notice anything different from how the UBK you used to have read discs to how the XD08 you have now reads discs?

Yes the Xd08 has a Glass Lens & the XD08EMB-S, XD08UMB-S

Asmcom

That's great news. Once I'm done christmas shopping for everyone else I'll have to get me one of those XD08EMB-S you sell, since I'm in Europe as well.

[asmcom]

You will need to be fast as they are selling fast. The good news is that we have nearly secured more Pioneer stock that was being retained by Pioneer, which they are going to release soon.

Asmcom